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I think there are two, important factors to consider when comparing the two hits: 1) which was more impactful on the game, and 2) the respective sizes of the players involved with each play. Once these two factors have been added to the equation, I believe the two hits are far too dissimilar to compare.

Swearinger's hit on Ellington didn't directly affect the outcome of the game, although it was definitely a statement to Clemson about which team was tougher and more ready to dish out some punishment. As someone pointed out earlier in the thread, Swearinger is listed as 6'0", 210 lbs., and Ellington at 5'10", 195 lbs.

Clowney's hit on Smith absolutely played a big role in the outcome of the game, because it changed possession of the ball in excellent field position. Clowney is listed as 6'6", 256, but Ward said Clowney was actually about 273 on game day. Smith is listed as 5'6", 175 lbs.

In terms of which hit was more impactful on the game, I don't think there should even be a real debate about it, so Clowney's hit gets the nod easily. But when you consider that Clowney is a foot taller and right at 100 lbs. heavier than Smith, it's not quite as hard to, um, "redirect" the momentum of the running back, especially since Clowney got in the backfield so fast Smith didn't have a chance to build up much momentum, but since Swearinger isn't much bigger than Andre Ellington and Ellington was already going at full speed, but Swearinger was able to stop Ellington in his tracks and redirect him with a violent twist, I believe Swearinger's hit was the more impressive hit, by far.

In my opinion, these two plays should be considered completely separate and not be compared to one another, because one changed the scope of the game completely and was more meaningful, but the other sent a message to the other team and was much more difficult to pull off given the physics.